Stamps
Celebrating Dorothy Wilding: The Visionary Behind Queen Elizabeth II’s Iconic Portraits
Dorothy Wilding, a name synonymous with timeless elegance and photographic mastery, played a significant role in shaping the image of one of the world’s most recognised monarchs: Queen Elizabeth II. Known for her simple yet striking photographic style, Wilding’s portraits of the Queen became the foundation for a new era of royal imagery.
In early 1952, just twenty days after Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne, Wilding was granted the honour of conducting the first official photographic sitting. The Queen’s new role demanded an image that would grace coins, banknotes, and stamps, becoming a lasting symbol of her reign. Wilding, already experienced as a royal photographer, had previously captured official portraits at King George VI’s Coronation in 1937 and had been awarded the first Royal Warrant for a female photographer in 1943.
On February 26, 1952, Wilding photographed the young Queen wearing magnificent Norman Hartnell gowns and royal jewelry, such as the Diamond Diadem and the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara. With an elegant simplicity, she utilized plain black and white backdrops, drawing all attention to the poise and grace of her subject. Out of the fifty-nine images taken during that session, one particular portrait became an icon. This three-quarter bust image of the Queen was selected for the 2½ pence stamp, released for the 1953 Coronation. The first stamp to depict Elizabeth II featured this portrait, and these stamps became commonly known as “Wildings.” The Queen’s head is turned slightly towards the viewer in a three-quarter profile, adding to the elegance of Wilding’s work.
For the ½d, 1d, 1½d, and 2d value stamps, the portrait was adorned with a decorative floral design created by Enid Marx. When we say a stamp has a value in “d,” this means its value in pennies. For example The notation “1½d” refers to one and a half (1.5) old pence. The “d” stands for “denarius,” a term used in pre-decimal British currency to denote pennies. Before 1971, the UK used pounds, shillings, and pence, with 12 pennies to the shilling and 20 shillings to the pound, totaling 240 pence in each pound. The currency change in the 1970s, known as decimalisation, significantly impacted stamps.
The stamps featuring this iconic portrait remained in circulation until 1971, and the photograph itself was hung in British Embassies around the world. Wilding’s work not only captured the Queen’s regal aura but also set a precedent for how the monarchy was represented on currency and official memorabilia. Her artistry continues to be celebrated and remembered as a key component of Britain’s visual heritage.
Introducing the Dorothy Wilding Silver Commemorative and Postage Stamp Set
To honour the legacy of Dorothy Wilding and her contribution to royal history, we are excited to present the First Dorothy Wilding Silver Commemorative and original postage stamp set. This exclusive offering celebrates the artistry of Wilding and the iconic image of Queen Elizabeth II that shaped an era.
This set features a beautifully designed half-ounce pure silver commemorative, adorned with an officially licensed portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Dorothy Wilding. The striking image is courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery, London, and reflects the timeless elegance that made Wilding’s photographs so celebrated. The commemorative captures the Queen’s grace and the iconic simplicity of Wilding’s style, making it a collector’s treasure.
Accompanying the commemorative is an authentic Dorothy Wilding postage stamp, carefully selected from the 1952–1968 period. These stamps, available in vibrant colours and various denominations, offer a glimpse into the era when Wilding’s portraits of the Queen became a part of everyday British life.
But a limited quantity of just 250 sets being released this year, you will need to be quick to secure yours before they are all gone.
This exclusive collectible not only commemorates the artistry of Wilding but also celebrates the enduring legacy of Queen Elizabeth II. Each set includes a Certificate of Authenticity, affirming its place in history and the prestige of owning such a meaningful piece of royal heritage.
Discovering the Iconic Penny Red: A Piece of British History
Few stamps hold as much historical significance and charm as the Penny Red. First issued in 1841, the Penny Red succeeded the world-famous Penny Black, taking its place as the United Kingdom’s standard postage stamp for over three decades. With its distinct red hue and intricate design featuring the effigy of Queen Victoria, the Penny Red became an enduring symbol of Britain’s postal heritage.
The Problem with the Penny Black
Shortly after the Penny Black’s release in 1840, postal officials realised that people could remove the red cancellation marks using water or chemicals, leading to stamp reuse. To solve this, the Rainbow Trials were conducted, testing various inks to find one that couldn’t be removed without damaging the stamp. Black ink proved most effective, but it couldn’t be used on the black background of the Penny Black.
As a result, in 1841, the Penny Black was replaced with the Penny Red, while cancellation marks were changed to black to make them more visible.
While the Penny Red design mirrored its predecessor, the shift to red ink gave it a unique identity. It remained imperforate during its initial release, meaning stamps had to be cut manually from sheets — a detail that makes these early versions particularly sought after by collectors.
The Evolution of British Stamps
During its long tenure, the Penny Red saw several variations, from perforations being introduced in 1854 to changes in the way it was printed and watermarked. It was retired in 1879, and many collectors marvel at the enduring nature of this modest yet historically significant stamp.
For philatelists and history lovers alike, owning a Penny Red offers a tangible connection to the early days of modern postage.
An Exclusive Opportunity: The 1841 Imperforate Penny Red and Victorian Threepence Set
For those looking to own a true piece of British heritage, we are proud to offer the 1841 Imperforate 1d Penny Red and Victorian Threepence Set. This stunning duo combines two Victorian-era icons: the Penny Red and the highly collectable Victorian Threepence coin.
Your Silver coin features the popular ‘Young Head’ portrait by William Wyon – Queen Victoria’s first for coinage.
The 1841 Penny Red in this set hails from the early imperforate editions, offering a true snapshot of philatelic history. Paired with a Victorian Threepence — a coin minted during Queen Victoria’s reign — this collection is an exclusive opportunity to hold two pieces of Victorian legacy in your hands.
Perfect for collectors and history enthusiasts, this set is beautifully presented and makes for a unique gift or addition to any collection. As with all historical items, these pieces are in limited supply, so don’t miss your chance to own a piece of British history.
The Evolution of UK Banknotes: From Paper to Precision
The history of banknotes in the United Kingdom is a fascinating journey of innovation, security, and tradition. From the earliest issues to the forthcoming King Charles III banknotes, each phase reflects the technological and cultural shifts of its time.
A Brief History of UK Banknotes
The Bank of England began issuing banknotes shortly after its establishment in 1694. Initially, these notes were handwritten, a far cry from the highly sophisticated currency we use today. By the mid-18th century, partially printed notes were introduced, with the denomination and other details filled in by hand.
Source: Bank of England website
https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum/online-collections/blog/our-earliest-bank-of-england-note
The 19th century brought significant changes with fully printed notes and the introduction of standardized designs to prevent forgery. A pivotal moment in the history of UK banknotes came in 1960 when Queen Elizabeth II became the first monarch to be featured on the Bank of England notes. Her portrait on the £1 note marked the beginning of a tradition of depicting reigning monarchs on the nation’s currency, providing a sense of continuity and national identity.
Security Features: From Simplicity to Sophistication
As technology advanced, so did the sophistication of banknote security features. Early notes relied heavily on the quality of the paper and intricate designs to deter counterfeiters. However, as counterfeiting techniques improved, so too did the security measures.
Modern UK banknotes are a marvel of technology and design. Click on the dots below to explore the key security features:
Introducing the King Charles III Banknotes
In a historic move, the Bank of England is set to release the new King Charles III banknotes on June 5th, 2024. This marks the first time in over 70 years that a new monarch’s portrait will grace the currency, following the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
The King Charles III banknotes will continue to feature the same high-security features of their predecessors and the new banknotes will initially be available in £5, £10, £20, and £50 denominations. They will circulate alongside the existing Queen Elizabeth II notes, gradually phasing out the older series as they wear out.
Introducing the DateStamp™ Set: Connecting the Past and Present
To commemorate this historic transition, we are excited to introduce an exclusive DateStamp™ set that brings together the past and the present of UK currency. This unique collection features the Queen Elizabeth II £5 and £10 banknotes alongside the brand new King Charles III £5 and £10 banknotes, each postmarked on the official issue date, 5th June, 2024.
You can now be one of just 2,024 collectors to own this special set.
Click here now to pre-order yours before the official release >>